Maya Ellison
Cherries are a delicious summer treat, but their season is short, so it's important to know how to store them to make the most of these fruits. Cherries are delicate and can quickly go bad if not stored properly. They are best kept in the refrigerator, in a container or plastic bag, but not sealed, as they need to breathe. Cherries are also prone to water damage, so it's best to avoid washing them until you're ready to eat them. Read on to find out more about how to store your cherries to keep them fresh for longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container type | Plastic bag or plastic container |
| Container cover | Uncovered or perforated |
| Container lining | Paper towels |
| Container space | Wide and flat |
| Refrigeration | Yes |
| Refrigeration temperature | 0°C (32°F) or -0.5°C–1°C (33°F–34°F) |
| Washing | Before refrigeration, wash with cold water or a water-vinegar solution |
| Drying | Yes, thoroughly with paper towels |
| Freezing | Yes, individually quick-frozen on a baking sheet |
| Storage duration | 2-3 days in the fridge, 6 months to 1 year in the freezer |
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What You'll Learn
Keep cherries dry
Cherries are a delicious treat, but they have a short season, so it's important to know how to store them properly. The biggest enemy of cherries is moisture, which can cause the fruit to spoil and develop hardened cracks. Therefore, it is best to keep cherries dry.
When buying cherries, look for fresh, plump, shiny, and smooth fruit with taut, glossy skin and no splits, pockmarks, or wrinkles. Sour cherries have softer bodies, and Rainier cherries can have brown specks on their skin. If you choose red cherries, look for an evenly saturated colour. Try to buy cherries with stems, as this helps to keep them fresh for longer.
Once you have your cherries, do not wash them until you are ready to eat them. If you wash them too early, the moisture can cause mould or rot. If you do wash your cherries before eating, make sure to dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.
When storing cherries, it is best to lay them out flat in a bowl or container rather than piling them on top of each other. This helps to prevent bruising. Do not seal the cherries in an airtight container, as this can lead to moisture forming. Instead, choose a container with holes or an open bag, and place them in the refrigerator. Cherries should be kept cold and dry, with a temperature of around 0°C (32°F) to 4°C (39°F).
If you want to keep cherries for the long term, you can freeze them. To do this, first, freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or bag. Frozen cherries can last for up to a year.
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Refrigerate cherries immediately
Cherries are a delicate fruit with a short season, so it's important to know how to store them properly to make the most of them. Cherries should be refrigerated as soon as possible after buying or picking them. They are best kept in the fridge at a temperature of around 0°C (32°F) to 1°C (34°F).
When storing cherries in the fridge, it is best to spread them out in a single layer on a flat surface, such as a cookie sheet or a wide, flat storage container. This helps to prevent bruising and moisture buildup, which can cause the cherries to spoil more quickly. If using a container, it is best to leave it uncovered or to use a perforated plastic bag. If you wish to cover the container, do not seal it, as cherries need to breathe. You can also line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
Cherries should be stored dry, and it is best not to wash them until you are ready to eat them, as moisture can encourage mould or rot. If you do wash your cherries before storing them, make sure to dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.
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Wash cherries just before eating
Cherries are a delicious treat, but their season is short, so it's important to know how to store them properly to make the most of these fruits. They are usually sprayed with pesticides, so it is important to wash them before eating. However, it is best to wash cherries just before eating them, as excess water on their surface can cause cracking and make them spoil faster.
When storing cherries, it is important to keep them cool and dry. The refrigerator is the best place to store cherries, and they will last longer if they are spread out rather than piled on top of each other in a bag or container. They can be stored in their original bag, a large flat bowl, or a container. If using a container, it is best to leave the lid off or cover them loosely with a paper towel, as sealing cherries in an airtight container can lead to moisture forming, which encourages the growth of mould.
Cherries can be washed in a few different ways. The quickest and most practical way is to simply rinse them under cold, running water for about a minute. This will remove most of the pesticides and microbes, making them safe to eat. If you want to be more thorough, you can fill a large bowl with cold water and add a cup of white vinegar. Let the cherries soak for about 15 minutes, then rinse them in a colander under cool, running water and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel. Another option is to soak them in a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of water.
If your cherries are starting to lose their firmness, you can try reviving them with a quick soak in ice water for 10 to 15 minutes, which can help improve their texture.
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Freeze cherries for long-term storage
Cherries are a delicious summer treat, but their season is short, so it's a good idea to make the most of them while you can. Freezing cherries is a great way to preserve this fruit for long-term storage.
Firstly, choose the freshest cherries. Fresh cherries are plump, shiny, and taut, with glossy skin and no splits or wrinkles. Next, wash the cherries in a large bowl of cold water, rubbing their skins with your fingers. You can also use a fruit and vegetable spray. Then, remove the stems, as this will help to maintain the fruit's freshness.
Now it's time to pit the cherries. You can freeze cherries whole, but it's easier to remove the pits first. If you have a cherry pitter, use that. Otherwise, you can dig the pits out with a spoon, pop them out with your hand, or use a straw or chopstick to push the pit through the cherry. Place the pitted cherries in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Put the tray in the freezer, and once the cherries are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.
Label and date the bag, and place it back in the freezer. Cherries can be stored in the freezer for up to one year, although some sources suggest they may last for six months or even just three months. It's best to use them within a year, as defrosting and refreezing will spoil them.
Frozen cherries are perfect for smoothies, jams, pies, and baking. You can also thaw them and use them for cooking, but be aware that they will be softer and release a lot of liquid.
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Store cherries in a single layer
Cherries are a delicate fruit with a short season, so it's important to know how to store them properly to make the most of them. Cherries should be kept cold and dry, so the best way to store them is in a single layer in a flat container in the refrigerator.
When storing cherries, it's important to avoid piling them on top of each other in a bag or container. This can cause bruising, which will result in a shorter shelf life for the cherries. Instead, spread them out in a single layer on a flat surface, such as a cookie sheet or a lidless container with a large, flat bottom. This will help to prevent bruising and keep your cherries fresh for longer.
If you're short on space, you can also store cherries in a wide and flat storage container. Line the container with dry paper towels to absorb any moisture, and place more paper towels between layers if necessary. This will help to keep the cherries dry and prevent spoilage.
It's also important to note that cherries should not be washed before storing. Moisture is the enemy of cherries, and washing them before storing can accelerate the spoiling process. Instead, wait to wash them with cold water until right before you eat them or use them in a recipe.
By following these simple tips, you can extend the shelf life of your cherries and enjoy them for as long as possible during their short season.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can store cherries in a plastic container, but it must be perforated to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Cherries can be stored in a plastic container in the fridge for two to three days.
The best way to store cherries is in a wide and flat storage container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
Cherries will last for about four to ten days in the fridge if stored properly.
